The difference between flatlock stitching and blindstitching is two-fold. Flatlock stitching along the seams of wetsuit panels are cheaper to produce and suffice at doing their job. The flatlock stitching holds together the panels but lets in some water through the seam and if the stitching gets knicked the whole stitching could unravel.
What are they for? Surf leashes are there to keep you and your surfboard attached while in the surf. The surf leash was first used in the 70’s invented by Pat O’Neill of O’Neill wetsuits in Santa Cruz where surfing without a leash meant a dangerous swim or clamber through the rocks to get to safety or recover your board. (more…)
Wetsuit manufacturers try to enhance the experience of surfers by introducing special wetsuit features such as glide-skin material around the neck of the wetsuit to prevent wetsuit rash or chaff without requiring the surfer to put on a rash vest underneath. Rip Curl introduced the Batwing system a few years back in their wetsuit to keep the surfer extra warm on their most critical part of the body, the torso. This is where the heat is generated and water leakage through the back zip threatens this warmth. So this batwing is an extra layer of thin neoprene that gives extra protection.